H22A4 Engine Questions

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Mr. Fix it

New Member
Hey there readers,

My son brought home a 1999 Prelude base model H22A4 with 5spd manual.

It has about 130,000miles and was leaking oil out from the head which I replaced.
It is also replaced the front crank seal when doing the timing belts.

It appears that the rear main is leaking as well but it is hard to pin point. The oil pan is leaking as well..

My questions are as follows.

Is it typical of these engines to leak the seals like this if the main bearing are worn out?

also, I has noticed that it is burning oil out the tailpipe when shifting gears which to me is indicative of rings..

The block looked very good when doing the head but I suspect worn out rings or glazed cylinders to be the cause of this..:(

Thanks for your input.

Mr. Fix it
 
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ok, it is probly your rings. and sounds like a valve seat also. imo. anytime you pull off the head you need to repalce everything seals,bolts,gaskets.ect.ect.ect. if i where you i would do a compression test.also did you use new head bolts when you did the head and did you put a whole new head on?
 
I reused the original head bolts.. there was nothing to indicate that I should replace them other than one tech sheet I was reviewing.

I also checked with the local dealer and they claim that they never replace head bolts so I was convident that they were good to reuse.

I had the head reconded so I would think the valve seat are good. We have a very reputatble machine shop here in town that has a very good track record for the qualtiy of workmanship.

I am thinking rings as well...
 
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Also, are these engines known for a shortened life? I myself drive Toyota's & have never had issues like this engine has been having...

I'm suspecting an abusive previous owner...
 
Also, are these engines known for a shortened life? I myself drive Toyota's & have never had issues like this engine has been having...

I'm suspecting an abusive previous owner...

No, Honda engines are definitely known for reliability as well. If the engine's in bad shape, then most likely it wasn't well taken care of...
 
you shouldnt have so many problems out of a 130k mile motor. do a compression test and see whats gong on in there.
 
yeah and like i said anytime you have the head off/replaced. you should go ahead and put in new gaskets and bolts....arp is a good brand.
 
yeah and like i said anytime you have the head off/replaced. you should go ahead and put in new gaskets and bolts....arp is a good brand.

Yup all new gaskets, just previously enjoyed head bolts!
 
Okay, so the oil pan is done and sealed. Other than making sure that all surfaces are spotless and free of existing oils residue, the job went fairly quick.

The engine is not leaking oil now (At least for the time being!)
 
hey guys, im new to this forum and looking for some help. I want to swap my h22a4 into a 99 civic si shell. will the atts cause this swap to not work, has anyone seen or done this swap. If anyone could send some help my way i would really appreciate it.
 
It CAN work as long as you are using the A4 engine. I've never seen a write up on it, but you cant be the first that got the motor and tranny from a prelude.
 
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